Boomer on the run. Credit: Nanaimo RCMP.
After years of doggedly pursuing criminals, a Nanaimo police service dog has retired from active duty.
Boomer, a purebred German shepherd with police services, officially retired on April 11, 2018, Nanaimo RCMP said in a release. Boomer worked with handler Const. Clay Wurzinger.
“We were never the best-looking team, never the most polished, but we tried hard, trained hard, and gave it all we had every time the phone rang, and we were rewarded with success,” Wurzinger said in the release.
Boomer as a puppy. Credit: Nanaimo RCMP.
Nanaimo RCMP listed a number of arrests and notable events that involved Boomer and Wurzinger. In 2014, Boomer and Wurzinger tracked and arrested a suspect after a young woman was violently assaulted and her vehicle was stolen at Vancouver Island University. The duo also found an armed suspect in 2015 after an off-duty officer was pepper sprayed in the face while trying to stop a break-in at a business.
Boomer and Wurzinger found a missing elderly woman in 2016 while dealing with hot temperatures and rough terrain. The woman had been missing in the Cowichan Valley for five days. Both Boomer and Wurzinger received a commendation for their efforts.
Then in 2017, Boomer and Wurzinger found a suspect wanted for a string of break-and-enters. The search lasted for hours and was conducted over sparse terrain.
Boomer worked hard on his last night as well. He and Wurzinger caught a man wanted in connection with several break-and-enters. Then a short time later, they caught a suspect wanted in connection with a stabbing.
Nanaimo RCMP said Boomer will now spend the rest of his days as Wurzinger’s family pet. Wurzinger is now training with his new police services dog, Jerry.
Const. Wurzinger and Boomer. Credit: Nanaimo RCMP
Alexa Huffman
